There are several surf spots in Mal Pais:

El Carmen: A long right and a shorter left surfing over sand.

Santa Teresa: Usually bigger than Carmen and better on low tide.

Playa Hermosa: Beach break lefts and rights.

Playa de Los Suecos: a lefthander with a fast take off followed by a long workable wall. Gets hollow with size and offshore winds.

Punta Barrigona: A long lefthander wraps round the point turning into a great hotdog wave as it moves through the inside. Needs a lot of swell to work properly.

From San José: Drive to Puntarenas and take the "Tambor" car ferry to Paquera. Drive through Tambor to Cóbano. In Cóbano drive straight through town and turn left after 1 kilometer to Malpaís. After 8 km. You arrive at a crossroads just before the beach, turn right and the Tropica hotel is 800 yards on your left. The hotel is signposted from Paquera. 4x4 is not necessary, but is recommended in the rainy season. Total journey time from San José is 5 ½ hours, as we recommend that you arrive at Puntarenas at least one hour before the ferry departs.

From Guanacaste drive south through Nosara, Sámara and Coyote, ford the Río Bongo and continue through Manzanillo to Malpaís. Several stretches between Coyote and Manzanillo are along the beach, so make sure the tide is low. This route is only possible with a 4x4 during dry season (Dec.-Apr.). There are alternative but more roundabout routes north open year round.

Tropico Latino Lodge: Located right on the break, the owner is a surfer and will help you find the best waves in the area.